These Blonde Orange Brownies are a citrus lover’s dream! With their rich, buttery texture and bursts of fresh orange zest, they offer a deliciously unique twist on traditional blondies. The moist, dense crumb pairs perfectly with the luscious orange-infused cream cheese frosting, making each bite a sweet and tangy delight.
Whether you’re serving them as an afternoon treat, a dessert for spring gatherings, or a refreshing end to a meal, these orange blondies are sure to impress. Their vibrant flavor and soft texture make them an irresistible addition to your baking repertoire, bringing a touch of sunshine to every bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature (2 sticks)
- 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 3 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
For the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces (226 g) block-style cream cheese, softened
- 4 Tbsp (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 Tbsp orange zest
- 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice, or more as needed
- 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer.
- Add the eggs and mix well, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Stir in the orange zest and juice until fully incorporated.
- Add the flour and salt, then mix until just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top and edges should be lightly browned.
- While the brownies are baking, prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add the orange zest, 1 Tbsp of orange juice, and powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Add more orange juice if needed for a thinner consistency.
- While the brownies are still warm, optionally pierce the surface with a fork.
- Spread the frosting over the brownies, then refrigerate until cool. Cut into squares and serve.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 224 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 brownies
Blonde Orange Brownies: A Citrus Lover’s Dream Dessert
If you’re a fan of citrus flavored desserts, you’re in for a treat with these Blonde Orange Brownies. This recipe is a delightful twist on the classic brownie moist, dense, and rich like a traditional brownie but without the chocolate. Instead, these bars feature the bright, tangy flavor of fresh oranges, making them a refreshing and indulgent dessert. The addition of a luscious orange cream cheese frosting takes them to another level, creating a balance of sweetness and citrusy zing that is simply irresistible.
Why You’ll Love These Orange Brownies
Orange brownies are perfect for anyone who enjoys fruit based desserts with a rich, buttery texture. Unlike traditional chocolate brownies, which are deep and fudgy, these bars have a lighter, citrus forward taste. The natural sweetness of oranges brings a unique brightness that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the frosting.
This recipe is:
Easy to make – No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
Bursting with citrus flavor – Made with real orange zest and juice for a fresh, natural taste.
Perfectly balanced – The sweetness of the brownies is complemented by the tangy cream cheese frosting.
Great for any occasion – Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or just a personal treat, these blondies will impress.
The Story Behind Blonde Orange Brownies
This recipe is an adaptation of a popular Paula Deen recipe, but with modifications to enhance the texture and flavor. Many versions of orange brownies tend to be too cakey, but this version is intentionally made moist and dense, similar to a classic fudgy brownie but without chocolate.
The term “blonde brownies” might be a little misleading, as brownies are usually associated with chocolate. These are more similar to orange blondies, but they lack brown sugar, which is common in most blondie recipes. The result? A unique dessert that sits somewhere between a brownie, a blondie, and a citrus cake.
What Makes These Orange Brownies So Special?
The key to making these orange brownies truly stand out is the use of fresh oranges. Unlike artificial citrus extracts, fresh orange zest and juice give these blondies a bold, natural flavor that isn’t overpowering. The zest adds concentrated citrus oils, while the juice provides moisture and brightness.
Another essential component of this recipe is the cream cheese frosting. While some brownie recipes call for a simple sugar glaze, this thicker, velvety frosting enhances the richness of the dessert. The slight tang from the cream cheese balances the sweetness, making each bite decadent yet refreshing.
Texture and Taste Profile
- Texture: Soft, dense, and slightly chewy, just like a good brownie should be. The frosting adds a smooth, creamy layer that melts in your mouth.
- Flavor: A perfect combination of sweet and tangy. The citrus flavor is strong but well-balanced, complementing the buttery base.
- Aroma: The scent of fresh oranges fills the kitchen as these bake, making them just as enjoyable to smell as they are to eat.
Tips for the Best Orange Brownies
To ensure your orange brownies turn out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:
Use Fresh Oranges – Fresh zest and juice are key to achieving that authentic citrus flavor. Bottled juice won’t give you the same vibrant taste.
Room Temperature Ingredients – Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smooth and well-incorporated batter.
Do Not Overmix – Overmixing can create a tougher texture. Stir until just combined to keep the brownies tender and dense.
Refrigerate Before Slicing – Chilling the brownies after frosting makes them easier to cut into clean, neat squares.
Perfect Occasions for These Orange Brownies
These brownies are versatile and can be enjoyed for many different occasions:
- Spring and summer gatherings – The light, citrusy flavor makes these great for warm-weather celebrations.
- Holidays like Easter – A perfect alternative to heavier chocolate desserts.
- Afternoon tea or coffee breaks – A delightful treat to enjoy with a hot beverage.
- Potlucks and bake sales – These are unique enough to stand out from traditional desserts.
Pairing Suggestions
If you want to take your dessert experience to the next level, here are some delicious ways to serve these orange brownies:
With a scoop of vanilla ice cream – The contrast of creamy vanilla and citrusy orange is heavenly.
Drizzled with extra orange glaze – If you love extra sweetness, a light drizzle of orange syrup can enhance the flavor.
Paired with fresh berries – Strawberries or raspberries complement the citrus tones beautifully.
Served with a cup of Earl Grey tea – The subtle bergamot notes in the tea pair wonderfully with the orange flavor.
How to Store and Keep Fresh
These brownies store well and can be made ahead of time, making them a convenient dessert option:
- In the refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The frosting stays fresh and creamy when chilled.
- At room temperature: If unfrosted, they can be kept at room temperature for 1-2 days in an airtight container.
- In the freezer: Freeze them (without frosting) for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge and frost before serving.
Common Questions About This Recipe
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture might be slightly different, but they will still be delicious.
Can I use a different citrus fruit?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with lemons, limes, or even grapefruit if you want to experiment with different flavors.
Is there a way to make them less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar slightly in both the brownie batter and the frosting. You can also add a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try This Recipe
Blonde Orange Brownies are a refreshing and unique take on traditional brownies, offering a sweet, citrusy twist that makes them stand out from the usual chocolate-based desserts. Their moist, dense texture, bright orange flavor, and creamy frosting make them an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re making these for a special occasion, a casual weekend treat, or just because you love orange flavored desserts, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your baking collection. Give these Zesty Orange Blondies a try, and enjoy a slice of sunshine in every bite!